HC Deb 07 June 1944 vol 400 cc1338-9
30. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what approach has been made for Government financial assistance in any form by Malayan rubber companies for compensation for losses suffered and for rehabilitation of Malayan rubber estates resulting from Japanese occupation.

Colonel Stanley

The general question of compensation for war damage sustained in the Far Eastern territories was raised in 1942 by a Committee representing Far Eastern commercial interests in the United Kingdom generally, including the rubber trade. The correspondence which passed between the committee and the Colonial Office was published in the Press at the time, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Mr. Hewlett

While thanking my right and gallant Friend for that reply, may I ask the Government to make an exhaustive inquiry into the large amount of money expended in London office expenses and directors' fees by these Malayan rubber companies, the directors having nothing to direct at the present time?

Colonel Stanley

That would seem, in the first place, to call for an inquiry by the shareholders.

Sir Richard Acland

Could they not he called up for essential service?